Pastor Tom Grieb continues our series From the Mount.

Jesus’ teachings were nothing short of revolutionary.  They challenge everyone who hears them.  That is particularly true when it comes to Christ’s teachings on the fulfillment of the law.  Jesus knew it was not the letter of the law that was important, but the spirit of the law.  He knew that relationship trumped religion and the inside was always more important than the outside.

The Apostle Paul was all about that as well.  He writes in II Corinthians 3:6, “Christ has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”  Paul knew that only Christ provides restored relationship with God.  He is the one who puts us in the embrace of a new covenant where his perfection covers our imperfection every time.

Of all the laws Jesus talks about in Matthew 5:17-48, he sees their fulfillment in the challenge of love.  Whether it is murder, adultery, divorce, integrity, or retribution, it is love that brings fulfillment to what is God’s design for our lives.